Losing a loved one is among life’s most difficult experiences, and amidst the grief, there are countless practical matters that need to be addressed. One important task is canceling the deceased’s credit cards. Doing this not only protects the estate from potential fraud but also prevents unnecessary fees and account complications. 

Following is a step-by-step guide on how next of kin can properly cancel credit cards after a death, and avoid any issues that may arise if they remain open.

{{blog-cta-small}}

1. Obtain Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate

Before you begin the process of canceling credit cards, you'll need to gather official documentation. Most credit card issuers will require a certified copy of the death certificate to close the account. It's a good idea to obtain at least 10 copies of the certified copy, as they will be needed for various financial and legal purposes, not just credit cards.

You can typically request death certificates through the funeral home handling arrangements or directly from the local or state vital records office.

2. Identify All Credit Card Accounts

Make a comprehensive list of the deceased’s credit cards. This might include:

• Physical cards found in wallets, drawers, or files
• Statements received by mail or email
• Accounts listed in credit reports
• Information provided by the executor of the estate

If you’re unsure what credit card accounts the deceased had open at the time of death, you can sometimes back your way into the information through a credit report. 

Identifying all credit card accounts of the person who has passed away is also something we at Elayne do when working with clients who are settling the estate of a family member. 

3. Notify the Credit Bureaus

Contact the three major credit bureaus named above to report the death and request that a deceased alert be placed on the credit file. This helps prevent identity theft or fraudulent use of the deceased’s information. You can do this by mailing a copy of the death certificate along with identifying details (full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address) to each bureau. 

4. Contact Each Credit Card Issuer

Once you have a list of credit cards and the death certificate, contact each credit card company individually. 

What to Provide:

• Deceased’s full name and Social Security number
• Account number(s), if available
• Your relationship to the deceased (e.g., spouse, child, executor)
• A copy of the death certificate
• Legal documentation if you are the executor or administrator of the estate

Many credit card companies have a bereavement department or designated process for handling deceased customer accounts. They may request that the documentation be mailed or uploaded through a secure portal.

What to Ask:

• What steps are required to close the account?
• Will a final statement be issued?
• Are there any balances due?
• What happens if the card was jointly held or if there was an authorized user?

5. Handle Balances and Payments

If there is an outstanding balance on a credit card, that debt becomes part of the deceased’s estate. It does not transfer to family members (unless it was a joint account).

• Individual account: The estate is responsible for paying any remaining balance.
• Joint account: The surviving account holder becomes responsible for the debt.
• Authorized users: These individuals are not liable for the debt, but should stop using the card immediately.

Do not pay off the debt with your personal funds unless you are legally required to. Consult the estate attorney or executor before making any payments.

6. Remove Authorized Users and Stop Automatic Payments

Make sure to:

• Remove any authorized users on the account to prevent future charges.
• Cancel any recurring or automatic payments linked to the card (e.g., utilities, subscriptions, memberships). These charges may continue until the card is officially canceled, so act quickly to avoid unnecessary fees.

7. Keep Records of All Communications

As you contact credit card companies and other institutions, keep detailed records. This includes:

• Dates and times of calls
• Names of representatives spoken to
• Copies of all correspondence (emails, letters)
• Confirmation of account closures

Maintaining organized documentation can protect the estate and provide clarity if any issues arise later.

8. Consider Freezing the Deceased’s Credit

In addition to notifying credit bureaus, consider placing a credit freeze on the deceased’s file. This adds another layer of protection against identity theft. Freezing the credit won’t affect the administration of the estate but will prevent new credit accounts from being fraudulently opened.

9. Monitor for Final Statements and Refunds

Even after accounts are closed, you may receive final statements or refunds for overpayments or unused services. These should be directed to the estate and handled by the executor or administrator.

{{blog-cta}}

‍
Canceling credit cards after a death is an essential task that helps safeguard the deceased’s legacy and financial affairs. By following the steps above you can ensure this part of the estate process is completed thoroughly and respectfully. For additional post-loss insights to help ease your process, visit Elayne. 

‍